There are nearly 500,000 small businesses in the Show-Me State. They employ more than 1.2 million workers and form an important part of Missouri’s economy.1
Missouri business insurance can provide a valuable financial safety net for these businesses when things go wrong by helping to cover costs related to:
NEXT is 100% dedicated to small business and insures more than 1,300 types of small businesses and self-employed workers. We make it easy for you to get the right coverage at the right price and purchase your policy online in less than 10 minutes.*
Continue reading to learn about important types of business insurance in Missouri. Or get a free instant quote to see customized coverage options for your business.
Insurance companies sell different types of coverage, also called policies, which you may combine into a customized business insurance package.
Most small businesses in Missouri need more than one type of coverage to meet their business insurance requirements. That’s because each kind of policy applies in a different kind of situation.
For example, Missouri general liability insurance, also known as liability coverage or commercial general liability, can protect your business if you’re accused of causing bodily injury to someone other than an employee or damaging their property.
While Missouri workers’ compensation insurance is essential to help cover situations when your employees are hurt on the job and need medical care.
Other types of insurance purchased by Missouri small businesses include professional liability coverage to protect against work mistakes, commercial property insurance to help cover damage to business property and commercial auto insurance to help pay for accidents that happen when driving for business.
Missouri businesses frequently purchase general liability coverage, which can help pay for damages if someone says that your company’s actions caused injury or property damage.
Sometimes called business liability insurance or professional liability insurance, this kind of policy can also help cover legal defense fees including attorney fees, court costs and settlements if someone sues you.
For instance, an office building owner blames a Kansas City snow plowing company for failing to put down road salt after a visitor has a slip-and-fall accident in an icy parking lot.
General liability insurance could help the plowing business pay for the visitor’s medical bills. It could also assist with legal fees and damages if the injured visitor filed a lawsuit.
Owners of construction and cleaning companies in Missouri might want to include tools and equipment coverage with their policy. This optional add-on can help repair or replace essential business gear that’s lost, damaged or stolen outside of wear and tear.
Keep in mind that many commercial landlords and clients will require proof of business liability insurance before they’ll sign a lease or contract with your business.
State law requires many businesses with employees to carry Missouri workers’ comp insurance. This kind of coverage is designed to help pay for medical costs, rehabilitation and lost wages when employees are hurt on the job.
For instance, an employee of a Columbia auto repair shop strains a back muscle while moving a heavy piece of equipment. Workers’ compensation insurance could help cover the worker’s doctor bills and physical therapy costs, as well as a portion of lost wages while they’re unable to work.
If your Missouri business involves driving, you’ll want to add commercial auto coverage to your business insurance needs. That’s because personal auto insurance won’t pay for accidents if you’re on the road for work purposes.
For example, two employees of an Independence-based HVAC company are driving the company truck to a job site, hit a guardrail and require medical attention. Commercial auto insurance could help cover the workers’ emergency room expenses and pay to fix their vehicle.
Hired and non-owned auto insurance is an optional add-on that’s important if your company asks employees to drive their own cars or rent vehicles for business. It offers protection for autos not titled to your business.
Missouri commercial property insurance, sometimes called business property insurance, can help pay for business property that’s damaged or destroyed after a covered event, such as water, fire or wind incidents.
For example, a kitchen fire at a Springfield casual dining restaurant damages the cooking station. Commercial property coverage could help pay to repair the grill and replace cookware that was ruined.
It’s important to read your policy documents carefully to make sure there aren’t exclusions for your business. Many carriers don’t cover flood and hurricane damage.
Professional liability coverage, also known as E&O or errors and omissions insurance, can help protect your company if you’re accused of professional negligence that caused someone financial loss. It can help pay damages and legal costs in cases of missed deadlines or incomplete work.
For example, a software engineer in St. Louis is under contract to build an e-commerce website for a small boutique. The client says that the site doesn’t work according to the terms of the contract and files a lawsuit for lost revenue and the cost to fix the bugs.
E&O coverage could help the software engineer pay attorney fees, court costs and any damages for which they’re held responsible.
Coverage costs for your Missouri-based company will depend on your business operations and employment practices. Every business has different coverage requirements, potential risks and unique circumstances that will affect the price you’ll pay.
Your business insurance cost will depend on factors including:
As you add different types of coverage to your insurance package, the price you pay will increase. You will also pay more if you choose higher policy limits (which provide more protection) for your coverage, as opposed to the minimum policy requirements.
If your business is routinely exposed to the risk of injury, property damage or other types of accidents, your insurance costs may be higher. For example, insurance for a construction worker will be priced differently than for professional services workers like real estate agents.
Workers’ comp insurance pricing is based on your employee headcount. It’s important to have your exact full-time and part-time worker count when you request a quote.
The best way to explore coverage options and find out how much you’ll pay for a business insurance policy is to get a free instant quote from NEXT.
You can also use our insurance calculators for a general estimate of insurance costs in Missouri:
We offer a fast and easy way for small business owners to get a business insurance quote online, purchase coverage and instantly share a certificate of insurance. The entire process usually takes less than 10 minutes.
You can also chat with our U.S.–based NEXT licensed insurance agents if you need help or have questions.
Learn more about insurance options in the states where you work.